Going to see a Veterinarian Behaviorist

[EAO76]

Our rescue Trucker has some aggression issues. He doesn’t trust anyone except DH & I. We have him enrolled in a “Feisty Fido” class for dog with issues. We had been making some progress but everything hit a new low a few weeks ago when we had to take Trucker to a new vet. Truck was very aggressive towards the vet & his assistant. It was very scary. After a long discussion with two behaviorists we decided that Trucker may need more than training. So we have an appointment with a Board Certified Veterinarian Behaviorist (basically a dog psychiatrist). It was hard to find one since there are only about 50 in the world who are Board Certified (there are others who just specialize in behavior but aren’t certified). Anyway I had done a search on Boxer World for other members who have seen this type of vet and there wasn’t much info. I figured I’d post Trucker’s story & progress here in hopes that it will help others who may encounter aggression issues in the future.

Our appointment is tomorrow. I know it won’t cure him but I am hoping that the vet will prescribe some sort of meds that will help take the edge off of his anxiety a little so we will have better luck with the training and behavior modification that we are doing.

The consultation is quite expensive (more than 500.00 dollars). They are going to examine him, do blood work, and give a specific protocol on how to deal with him & more. I don’t mind spending the money but I just hope they are going to offer us something new. I have read so many books and talked to plenty of trainers and up to this point all the info seems the same old stuff over & over.

The whole situation is so tragic. It’s like he literally has two personalities. He is so sweet and mellow at home but when a stranger approaches he is like a completely different rabid dog. It’s an awful feeling knowing he is so tormented and full of fear and anxiety. And it’s an awful being afraid to take your own dog outside your home.

I know this isn’t his fault. He either has some bad genes or was completely screwed up by whoever had him before us (or both) so please wish us luck!

 

[Indy's mom]

Good luck with your appointment today with the behaviorist. Really hope that he is able to offer something more than for you and Trucker. Good luck!

 

[Mega's Mom]

Wow. Good luck. We're sending positive vibes your way. And kudos to you for not giving up on him! Keep us posted.

 

[Murp.mm]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Trucker's issues. I was just wondering and maybe I'm off the wall here but since your live in California can you take Trucker to visit Caesar Milan from the Dog Whisperer or are you quite a distance from him. I just watch the show and he seems to be able to correct any issues that dogs have. It probably is very costly too. Hopefully with the behaviourist you're going to see it will help you to help Trucker. You are a very kind person for adopting Trucker and I truly hope everything works out for you. Good Luck.

 

[dafzichu]

Good luck at your appointment. Trucker really hit the jackpot when he got you and your family as his forever home. I have to think many other families would not be as dedicated to this sweet boy.

 

[Gruntsmom]

Bless you for your devotion to Trucker, and your tenacity in helping him overcome his issues! He is so very fortunate to be with you and your husband. I hope your appointment is successful, and a new and hopeful beginning for you and your boy. It's unimagineable what he could have been through before he came to you, that would have made such an imprint on his dear spirit. At least he knows he is loved and safe with your family. I keep you all in my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

 

[EAO76]

Well Trucker was diagnosed with fear aggression (which I suspected/ already knew). The appointment was interesting. Most of the training advice was things we are already doing. She did give us a few new helpful tips though.

Trucker was fitted with a basket Muzzle. Once he gets used to it we will use it as a safety precaution so we can eventually have Trucker meet new people. We will also use it when we take Trucker to the vet. I know it’s for the best but seeing him in it made me cry. He looks like Hannibal Lector.

He was also prescribed Prozac. We are starting him a 10mg once a day. She wanted to do 15mg but since he is also on Metacam (for pain) there is a risk of GI bleeding so we have to start on a lower dosage. If there aren’t any ill effects we will increase the dosage. I am very nervous about trying drugs but I am confident that this Doctor knows what she is doing. I really hope the Prozac helps him. BTW If anyone has used it (or similar dugs) I'd love to hear your experience (dosage, results, etc)

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Trucker's issues. I was just wondering and maybe I'm off the wall here but since your live in California can you take Trucker to visit Caesar Milan from the Dog Whisperer or are you quite a distance from him. I just watch the show and he seems to be able to correct any issues that dogs have. It probably is very costly too. Hopefully with the behaviourist you're going to see it will help you to help Trucker. You are a very kind person for adopting Trucker and I truly hope everything works out for you. Good Luck.

Actually the vet we are seeing has had patients who went to Cesar Milan first. Many of them claim he actually damaged their dogs.

I have watched his show too. And although he certainly seems to have a presence and a particular knack when it comes to dealing with dogs it’s not something that other people (i.e. the dog’s owners) can really replicate or learn. In other words once Cesar leaves the behavior returns. I do agree with his advice about making sure dogs are properly exercised, using back packs, and his ideas about being a calm and assertive leader. However some of his other methods are dangerous. Additionally for a fear aggressive dog (like Trucker) his methods would surely do more harm than good.

Anyway thanks everyone for the encouragement! I will keep posting about Truckers progress.

 

[dafzichu]

I am so glad to hear that things went well. I can understand your feelings about the basket muzzle, I would have cried to, but if it is a management tool that helps him get better, you will be crying tears of joy when he can meet new people without it

I am sorry, I don't have any info on the use of Prozac or other drugs like that with dogs, but I am sure I read a post here about them, so maybe that person will chime in for you.

Good luck and definitely keep us udpated about how things are going!

 

[lisasentous]

Good luck with Trucker and keep us updated. It only time will tell, fingers and paws crossed.

 

[kayboxer]

Wow, that is so great you have a vet like that you can go to! I can tell you there are NONE like that around here. I don't need one, but if I did, no telling how far I'd have to go. I'm glad you got a few more ideas. I hope everything works out for Trucker. Very interesting about Caesar Milan too. I guess things on TV aren't always as they appear. I like the show "It's Me or the Dog". I've learned a lot from the lady on that show, and the stuff she does you can do yourself.